Beginner on Hi Sierra Trail

“I am planning a backpacking trip this August with three friends of mine. I have been once before on the CA High Sierra Trail, but I was 11 years old on a church group trip.
This time I will be the leader of the pack with no real experience, yet I'm hoping to get about 25 miles deep in about 4 days up, 3 back.
From my previous trip eight years ago, I can remember being physically exhausted and dehydrated. All my food was made for me and I didn't have to worry about stoves or filtering water or anything.
Now that I do have to worry about it, I was wondering if anyone could give me any tips on rental stoves, what kind, propane, water filters, tents, first aid, etc.
As you can see, I'm pretty much in the dark. I don't even know what to do about food. Of the few things I can remember about my previous trip, I brought with me some Moleskin?? and I can remember hanging the food in a tree at night to keep away from bears.
I would love to have a list of what essential items I need and preparations I should consider. Luckily, I still have my giant backpack.
Thanks for all your help.”

“Hey Beginner Bob, here is a checklist of sorts from a local outfitters web site. Print it out, see what you have that would work for some of this stuff. See what you still need. Keep food prep easy for beginning. Walk through the grocery and see what you can find that just takes boiling water. There are a lot of options: lipton flavored noodle packs, Ramen noodles, packaged meat of any type to add to these. (examples-Dinner:velveeta mac&cheese, add a pouch of tuna, dried red peppers, etc. Breakfast: instant oatmeal, coffee singles). I don't know alot about bears and the Sierra's other than most people use bear cannisters now, others can help you there. Research stoves. you can buy one pretty cheap that runs on a fuel cannister. Camping Gaz Turbo 270 comes to mind. I never used one of them but others here can give you info on that. Do a thread search on stoves, I'm sure you will find info. Do thread searches on other types of equipment you have questions on also. If you can't find info on specifics, ask. Search the net for online stores and see what type of equipment is out there. Are the three of you going to share a tent or are you going to want an individual type. Large weight and cost difference there.”

“Here are a few links to on-line gear stores:
Northern Mountain Supply
Campmor
REI
Gear Trade

Gear Trade has some used and new equipment for sale. Also, if you want some used equipment, start a thread and see if anyone here has used stuff your looking for.”

“Ooops. Matt's affiliate gear site.

Gearpro

Matt has set up a beginner's corner on this site that will anser alot of questions. Make sure you thank him.”

“"answer"”

“Uh-oh... a Greenhorn!

Oh the memories!

We're here to help ya, BB... you come to the right place.

Think light.
Think dual purpose.
Think perceived needs vs. "ACTUAL" needs.

On this BBS, click on Trail Talk Today, go to the bottom and click on Phil's Photo Page. Once there, look for his gear list & weights thread, and have a look.

Get a postal scale to weigh your stuff.
Rent the bear-can for now.
Keep asking questions.”

“BB,
How many people are going? As the leader, you need to be sure that the less experienced have proper gear etc. and you need to check what they are bringing (cans, cast iron pans, coleman flannel bags etc.). One of the problems with new bpers is that they will go out and buy new boots and not properly break them in or buy ones that fit poorly. One person with bad blisters can ruin a group trip. So starting today, I would check everyone's boots. Also since you have some time before the trip, how about a shake down day hike to check out boots, hiking pace, knowledge etc.

One other thing to consider for a group hike is what is group gear and what is personal gear. For example, not everyone needs their own stove, water filter, roll of TP etc. Pair people up in a "buddy" system so that there is enough gear, but not too much.”

“Also, what city do you live in? Once we know that,we can probably direct you to some good outfitters for gear rental.”

“BB, if you post your email address, I'll send you some checklists and tip sheets I have developed for my classes in backpacking and winter camping.

I'd advise you to get non-cotton clothing, get one stove for the 4 of you, and gear as light as you can get it.

We used to use plastic tube tents, which are cheap light, definitely not comfortable, but it doesn't rain much in the Sierra, so maybe worth the risk. You also need rain gear, and a plastic poncho will do. Also a plastic garbage bag to cover the pack.

Freeze dried is good light food, and for that many days you'll save some serious weight if you go freeze dried. Good food will compensate for many discomforts on the trip, so plan good meals.

I'd go with either a very light canister stove, or an MSR of some type. My MSR Dragonfly is awesome at fuel conservation.

What a fun time you will have!”

“BB- Your biggest concern is going to be water. In July water is everything, before your trip check with a ranger or someone who has been there for reliable water sources. For filtration I use the Safe Water Anywhere. It is so simple to work it is not even funny. It looks like a water bottle with a squeeze top, and works the same way-fill through the bottom opening, put on bottom cap, squeeze. If it clogs pull out the filter and wash it off.
Simple. Also, get a map of your proposed route. 25 miles in four days should not be a problem. Take rest stops when you need to, and track your progress on the map. And remember pack light, share eqipment with your partners. You should only need one stove, and maybe two small tents. If you don't need it don't take it. If you can live without it, you don't need it.”

“BB-One word COMPASS. Get one and learn how to use it along with the map. For food, I agree with Idaho Bob, take freeze dried. Mountain House has the easiest to prepare. For most of the stuff just add hot water. It is the way to go. One thing though-the portions are a little skimpy for two people, or I am just a hog, but one entree per person for dinner is just about right.
Use a sleeping mat if you want to rest good. Don't be MR. Macho dude and go without one. Plenty of rest means plenty of fun.”

“Where is the High Sierra Trail, anyway?”

“Cast a suspicious eye on outfitters/retailers. They're there to make money. Be wary of equipment advice on this board and others. I fell for the tent/boots/filter/stove, etc... as a newbie and it was the worst advice I have ever recieved. Many here are old school and that style has it's advantages and disadvatages. I for one joined the other side to ultra/lightweight backpacking and enjoy the backcountry so much more. One last bit of advice... be wary of the lightweight approach. It's not for everyone. Hope that helps! HEH! The most important thing I think is to know how to read a topo and even that, for me, is just learn names of peaks 99% of the time. Common sense goes along way too.”

“He could be talking about the High Sierra Loop and camps of Yosemite, or perhaps Ropers High Route, but that's an advanced route. i believe there's also a route in Sequoia by that name”

“The trail crosses Sequoia Nat'l Park here in California.

The High Sierra Trail”

“Wow! I'm shocked at the huge response!

As for some of your questions, I live in Los Angeles CA and my email is dlaffoon@hotmail.com. I know without a doubt that the High Sierra Trail exists in Sequoia National Park in central CA - it starts in Cresent Meadow and finishes at the base of Mt. Whitney if I'm not mistaken.

As for the people I'm bringing with me, they have no hiking experience whatsoever (but I have very little myself). However, all four of us are very athletic and involved in sports and weight training so I don't think physical endurance will be too much of a problem.

As for permits and renting food storage I'm completely confused. Do we need a permit to hike and store food? That sounds outrageous! How many people will be up there? The last time I went I think I saw a total of 15-20 people the entire time! Where can I get the permits and how much are they?

I would only like to bring one stove and maybe two tents for the four of us. My plan is for each of us to carry their own food and then split of the rest of the weight evenly.

I can read topo maps pretty well and know how to use compass headings (I'm a private pilot). But then again, I have no idea what map to get for that area or where to get it.

Thanks everyone for all the help. I will definiately check out those websites you gave me!

BB

P.S. Is there any possible way I can rent a stove instead of buying one? I mean, I really don't camp that much to buy one (this is only my second time!)”

“Now that I look at it, the cookware and stove don't look too expensive. I plan on having everyone chip in like $25-30 to buy all the stuff.

I would like advice on what equipment is good for a newbie like me =-0”

“Bob--
I bought a Markill Devil stove this spring for a group trip and it did wonderfully! It started every time, more than I can say for the coleman peak thingy that the boys brought. The devil is a cannister stove, so you don't have to worry about fuel spills. The stove was $15, and I got MSR fuel cannisters (because they were short and round, providing a better surface to balance the pot on) The cannisters were $4.50 each at REI.”

“beginner bob,

for food, i recommend buying dehydrated meals from companies like mountain house, alpenaire, etc. these meal are quite tasty, reasonably nutritious, and are simple to prepare. typically you just add some boiling water to the foil pouch and wait a few minutes. backpacker magazine's latest edition has a detailed story on the major brands and offerings. this should make your food situation quite simple. for snacks, i recommend cliff bars, turkey jerky and baby carrots (pack them in a small tupperware dish--they will keep for several days). good luck!”

“Can anyone give me specific excercises for a difficult backpacking trip? I am leaving in August and have a few months to train. I am overwhelmed and don't know where to start. I love to mountain bike, hike and walk. What else should I be doing?”

“Windsprints uphill (very steep) help me alot. I use a nearby earthen dam. You could also use stairs.”

“Hike with your pack on, and work up to your trip weight, or more, as soon as you can...actually hiking with a full load, at elevation, as often as you can, will do wonders. Nothing works those muscles, like actually doing it. I'm always surprised each year when I trade in my back country skis for my hiking boots, all the skiing with a pack on help's, but man, my body knows that I'm using different muscles, and lets me know about it!!! Skullcap's windsprint tip is right on, it really helps.”

“Me...I like to sit on the couch and drink beer for months before the trip...I find that it helps me preserve energy..and the beer is stored as extra energy reserves...As for gear I use one of those Coleman propane stoves(1gal tank at least) and an iron skillet(you can cook anything in these) bring at least 7 days of clothes and one of those yellow rain suits(it could rain) Don't forget to bring a few books to read as it can get boring up there( I reccommend Tolstoy's Love and War and Rand's Atlas Shrugged) Also don't forget to buy your shoes right before the trip...don't even wear them until your on the trail..as they might wear out otherwise..cheers”